Applying For LIPH

HOW DO I APPLY?Applying for Public Housing is much easier than you think. Simply go to the Central Office in your District and complete a pre-application for immediate placement on the waiting list once you are determined eligible.You can also download a pre-application, by clicking here.

The Leasing Division is responsible for maintaining an accurate and updated “Waiting List” of all applications received, as well as the processing of all formal applications for admission into any of our communities in both Districts.

Applicants will receive a status letter via postal mail based on information submitted. Please inform VIHA of any changes that may occur during the application process.

WHAT IS PUBLIC HOUSING?Public housing is an affordable rental-housing program for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from efficiencies to five-bedroom homes and one-bedroom units for the elderly. VIHA has approximately 3500 public housing units located throughout the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal assistance to VIHA to manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS IN REGARDS TO PUBLIC HOUSING?Persons interested in public housing can pick up a pre-application at one of the VIHA Leasing Divisions on St.Thomas or St. Croix, or a pre-application can be mailed to you at your request. Once the pre-application is returned completed, your household will be placed on our Application Waiting List. The Leasing Division is responsible for maintaining an accurate and updated waiting list and processing of applications for timely admissions.

Each applicant will be notified in writing of his/her status based on the information submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the staff of any changes that may occur to facilitate the leasing process. Your application will be withdrawn if you fail to respond to our update request within the specified deadline.Applicants who are ready to be housed based on his/her placement on the waiting list, will be asked to visit our office and complete a formal application.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal assistance to the Virgin Islands Housing Authority to manage an affordable rental housing program for low income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

HOW IS RENT DETERMINED? Residents may choose income based or flat rent (set rent based on bedroom size (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5)) methods of paying their rent yearly. Rent is due on the 1st but no later than the 10th of each month. Residents make rent payments directly to BANCO POPULAR. All changes in family size and income must be reported within reasonable time of the change.

DO WE HAVE TO RECERTIFY? Yes. Residents must participate in yearly recertification to determine if there is a change in household circumstances that may affect rent. Additionally, units are inspected and brought up to standard with maintenance and repairs for each noted deficiency to maintain a safe, decent and sanitary lifestyle for our residents. Residents are also encouraged to attend monthly meetings to address interim issues or concerns.